Episode 44: His Calling w/ Julian 20 days post Pancreas-Kidney Transplant

In this episode you will hear from Julian @over_the_hillz_ Julian is the recent recipient of a duo-of pancreas and kidney. Julian was the first and only person in his county (Orange County, California) to receive a dual transplant. This second chance at life Julian is doing his all to not only help himself heal but the world moving forward! Julian was diagnosed with diabetes at 14 and from the moment forward began his journey in to living with chronic health conditions. In 2020 at 28 he had a stroke while in the hospital being treated for onset of chronic kidney failure. Having had this stroke, it was a great shock! Julian is the gift that keeps on giving! While managing T1D as a young teen he decided to live his life! Living his life by getting out and joining the workforce so that he could take care of his health first. He didn't go to high school because of his diabetes, instead deciding that living with diabetes meant a shortened life and therefore he would just do what he need and wanted. Julian lived with diabetes for 18 years and chronic kidney disease for 4 years ahead of his transplants. He began dialysis right away, expecting to die. When he was shared how dialysis could extend his life, he thanked God. During this conversation we talk about health care and access to needed procedures. I learn that people that are not born within American borders are not permitted to have these transplants. Luckily his mom was pregnant with him when she came to the US, therefor he qualified for a transplant. As a young adult he went back to school (community college) to get his certification in business management and with that he was able to get higher positions in companies and gift his family greater opportunity. While he was doing everything to stay alive, he also helped uplift his people and bring them along and lift them up! Listen to Julian's entire story which includes questions from the online diabetic community regarding his transplants. 20 days post his transplants he still watches his blood sugar and when he hears certain beeps that sound like the Dexcom he looks around.